Integrated connector for powerline network and power supply

ABSTRACT

A portable connector for power line networking. The connector includes a single AC connector, which has at least a first prong and a second prong (which will be plugged into a conventional connector device). The connector also has at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector. The first pair of wires includes a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong. A hardware module is coupled to the first pair of wires, which are adapted to transmit a plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and a plurality data signals from the AC connector. A single DC connector is coupled to the hardware module. A single network connector is also coupled to the hardware module.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/554,691, filed on Mar. 19, 2004 (021917-000300US), and is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK.

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to power line networking techniques. More particularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a client device to a powerline for network communications and power. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to an Ethernet network connection for portable computing environments (e.g., a personal computer, a personal computing device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and a digital camera) but it would be recognized that other applications exist.

Telecommunication techniques have been around for numerous years. In the early days, a communication technique known as telegraph was developed. Telegraph generally transferred information from one geographical location to another geographical location using electrical signals in the form of “dots” and “dashes” over transmission lines. An example of commonly used electrical signals is Morse code. Telegraph has been, for the most part, replaced by telephone. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in the 1800s to transmit and send voice information using electrical analog signals over a telephone line, or more commonly a single twisted pair copper line. Most industrialized countries today rely heavily upon telephone to facilitate communication between businesses and people, in general.

In the 1990s, another significant development in the telecommunication industry occurred. People began communicating to each other by way of computers, which are coupled to the telephone lines or telephone network or other communication network. These computers or workstations coupled to each other can transmit many types of information from one geographical location to another geographical location. In general, there have been various types of computer networks, including local area networks, commonly called LANs, and wide are networks, commonly called WANs.

Local area networks have been used to connect computers in a smaller geographic region than wide area networks. Most local area networks rely upon dedicated cables to transmit the communication signals through the network. An alternative way of transmitting such communication signals through non-dedicated cables but through a power supply network is referred to as Powerline Communication, commonly called PLC. Powerline communication relies upon pre-existing powerlines that are used to supply electrical power distributed through buildings, such as homes and office structures. Conventional PLC relies upon radio frequency technologies. Although powerline communications have been successful in part, many limitations still exist.

From the above, it is seen that improved techniques for powerline networks are highly desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, techniques for power line networking techniques are provided. More particularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a client device to a powerline for network communications and power. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to an Ethernet network connection for portable computing environments (e.g., a personal computer, a personal computing device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and a digital camera) but it would be recognized that other applications exist.

In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a portable connector for power line networking. The connector includes a single AC connector, which has at least a first prong and a second prong (which will be plugged into a conventional connector device), e.g., AC Plug. The connector also has at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector. The first pair of wires includes a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong. A hardware module is coupled to the first pair of wires, which are adapted to transmit a plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and a plurality data signals from the AC connector. A single DC connector is coupled to the hardware module. A single network connector is also coupled to the hardware module.

In a preferred embodiment, the hardware module comprises a switching power supply, which is coupled between the single AC connector and single DC connector. The switching power supply is adapted to convert AC signals from the single AC connector into direct current for use at the DC connector. The module also has a powerline module coupled between the single AC connector and single network connection. The powerline module is adapted to convert the plurality of data signals in a first format to a plurality of data signals in a second format for use at the single network connection.

In an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention a portable powerline connector for remote applications, e.g., lap top, a personal computer, a personal computing device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, MP-3 player (or other audio player) and a digital camera. The connector has a single AC connector, which includes at least a first prong and a second prong. The single AC connector is adapted to be plugged into a powerline enabled socket, which has at least a first receptacle for the first prong and a second receptacle for the second prong. The connector has at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector. The first pair of wires includes a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong. An insulating material (e.g., high density polyethylene) houses the first pair of wires. A hardware module is coupled to the first pair of wires. The first pair of wires is adapted to transmit a plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and a plurality data signals from the AC connector. A powerline module is operably coupled to the hardware module. The powerline module is adapted to convert the plurality of data signals in a first format to a plurality of data signals in a second format. A power supply is operably coupled to the hardware module. The power supply is adapted to convert the plurality of AC signals (e.g., 100-120 volts, 240 volts) into a DC signal, e.g., direct current, e.g., 5 to 20 Volts DC 2-10 Amperes. A DC connector is coupled to the hardware module. The DC connector is coupled to the DC signal. A network connector is coupled to the hardware module. The network connector is coupled to the powerline module.

Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention over conventional techniques. The present invention can be applied using conventional components from computer networking and hardware technologies. Additionally, the invention can be applied to pre-existing powerline structures without substantial modification. Preferably, the present system and method are easy to implement and also selectively connect and depending upon the user. In preferred embodiments, the invention also provides an apparatus and method for portable computing and the like. In preferred embodiment, the connector can be provided in a hand carry bag or in a pocket of a user of the remote application. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits may exist. These and other benefits have been described throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

Various additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be more fully appreciated with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a powerline connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an alternative powerline connector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a power line connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram of a power line connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of a method of using the powerline connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, techniques for power line networking techniques are provided. More particularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus for connecting a client device to a powerline for network communications and power. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to an Ethernet network connection for portable computing environments (e.g., a personal computer, a personal computing device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and a digital camera) but it would be recognized that other applications exist.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a powerline connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, a portable connector 100 for power line networking is shown. The connector includes a single AC connector 103, which has at least a first prong and a second prong (which will be plugged into a conventional connector device). The connector also has at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector. The first pair of wires includes a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong. A hardware module 101 is coupled to the first pair of wires, which are adapted to transmit a plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and a plurality data signals from the AC connector. Preferably, the hardware module is a powerline communication module, which will be described in further detail below. A single DC connector 111 is coupled to the hardware module. A single network connector 109 is also coupled to the hardware module.

In a specific embodiment, the first prong and the second prong can be any suitable electrical connections for home, office, or business use. As merely an example, such prongs are often called AC Plug, but can also include other variations. As an alternative example, depending upon the particular country, the prongs can also be 3-pin plug and the like. The prongs are coupled to the module via power line wiring Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and variations.

In a specific embodiment of use in the United States of America, the wires are often 12 or 14 gauge each. Although other gauges such as 16 and at least 18 may also be used. The length of such wires is also about 4 ft and often no greater than about 6 ft depending upon the embodiment. The wires are often moisture resistant, durable, and resistant to general environmental conditions. A plastic coating and insulating are often provided surrounding the connective portions of the wires in preferred embodiments.

In a specific embodiment, the connector also includes other wires, which include DC 111 and networking wires 109, extend from the hardware module, which will be described in more detail below. The DC wires is often 18 AWG. The networking wires is often 24 AWG, although others can also be used. The wires are often moisture resistant, durable, and resistant to general environmental conditions. A plastic coating and insulating are often provided surrounding the connective portions of the wires in preferred embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the wires, including network and DC, are bundled together 105 and extend out in the “Y-shaped” configuration, which is illustrated by FIG. 1. As merely an example, the network connector can be any suitable type such as Ethernet (Cat 5) (RF-45), Universal Serial Bus, commonly called USB, mini-USB, or others. As shown, the DC connection is provided to the portable computing device and the network connector is also provided to the portable computing device, which is the same computing device, according to a specific embodiment. Powerline includes powerline communication signals and power to supply energy to the computing device according to a specific embodiment. Further details of alternative embodiments of the present invention can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an alternative powerline connector 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, an alternative connector 200 is provided. The connector includes a single AC connector, which has at least a first prong and a second prong (which will be plugged into a conventional connector device). The first prong and second prong protrude directly from a hardware module. Alternatively, three prongs or the like can also protrude from the hardware module. Such module including prongs is plugged directly into an AC wall socket including powerline networking capabilities. The hardware module is often made of a durable plastic material, which is moisture resistant. The durable plastic material is rigid and has a dimension of no greater than 6 in length, no greater than 2.5 in width, and no greater than 1¼ in thickness, although other suitable dimensions may also be used. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the hardware module is coupled to the first pair of wires (which is within the hardware module), which are adapted to transmit a plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and a plurality data signals from the AC connector. In a specific embodiment, the first prong and the second prong can be any suitable electrical connections for home, office, or business use. As merely an example, such prongs are often called flatpins, but can also include other variations. As an alternative example, depending upon the particular country, the prongs can also be round and the like. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and variations.

In a specific embodiment of use in the United States of America, the wires are often 12 or 14 gauge each. Although other gauges such as 16 and at least 18 may also be used. The length of such wires is also about 4 ft and often no greater than about 6 ft depending upon the embodiment.

In a specific embodiment, other wires, which include DC and networking wires, extend from the hardware module, which will be described in more detail below. The DC wires is often 18 AWG. The networking wires is often 24 AWG, although others can also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the wires, including network and DC, are bundled together and extend out in the “Y-shaped” configuration, which is illustrated by FIG. 2. As merely an example, the network connector can be any suitable type such as Ethernet (Cat 5) (RF-45), Universal Serial Bus, commonly called USB, mini-USB, or others. As shown, the DC connection is provided to the portable computing device and the network connector is also provided to the portable computing device, which is the same computing device, according to a specific embodiment. Additionally, the hardware module may be decoupled from the AC connector using a plug design and the single network connector and single DC connector can also be decoupled from the hardware module using a plug design. Such plug design may be of a “male” and “female” design or the like. Powerline includes powerline communication signals and power to supply energy to the computing device according to a specific embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a power line connector 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the hardware module 300 comprises a switching power supply 301, which is coupled between the single AC connector 315 and single DC connector 311. The switching power supply is adapted to convert AC signals from the single AC connector into direct current for use at the DC connector.

In certain embodiments, filters 303 such as a high frequency isolation filter will be used to block out noise from the power supply. An example of such a filter is inductor although other suitable device can also be used. The power supply may also be shielded to block out any unwanted noise from it to other components described herein. Depending upon the embodiment, shielding can occur using metal shield. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives.

The module also has a powerline module 307 coupled between the single AC connector and single network connection 313. The powerline module is adapted to convert the plurality of data signals in a first format to a plurality of data signals in a second format for use at the single network connection. One of the data signals can be OFDM, which relates to orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signals or like signals, depending upon the application. As merely an example, the power line module is described in more detail in Power Line Enabled Power Supply Module filed as U.S. application Ser. No. 11/445,537 commonly assigned and hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other types of modules can also be used depending upon the application.

Preferably, the powerline module is coupled to a coupling transformer 305 between the AC connector and the powerline module. As merely an example, the coupling transformer is ferrite core, although other suitable devices can also be used. The powerline module is coupled to an Ethernet interface (e.g., CAT 5) 309 between the single network connection and the powerline module. In a preferred embodiment, the power line module and Ethernet interface communicate via MII interface format. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the portable connector is characterized by a total length of less than three feet from the single AC connector to either then single DC connector or the single network connector. The second pair of wires and the network cable are used in a Y-shaped harness between the hardware module and single DC connector and single network connector. Depending upon the embodiment, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 4 is a top-view diagram of a power line connector 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the connector may include heat shrink tubing 403, which couples DC wiring 409 and network wiring (e.g., Ethernet) 411. The DC wiring includes DC plug 415. The network wiring includes CAT 5 connector 413. Combined wiring is provided through insulating material 404, which is often high density polyethylene or other suitable material. The wiring (which forms the Y-shape) couples into the PLC module plus the switching power supply, which was previously discussed, although not limited to such module and supply. AC power pins extend from the PLC module and switching power supply according to a preferred embodiment.

In a specific embodiment, the AC power lines connect to standard wall outlets, which have been network enabled. The standard three prong outlet is a 5-15R, where the “R” stands for receptacle. The “15” means that it is rated at 15 Amps and 125 Volts. The standard plug for the 5-15R is the 5-15P. The “P” stands for Plug. Alternatively, a 20 amp version has a sideways “T” on one side. This is used to accept a plug with one blade turned sideways, or the standard 5-15P. The designation for this outlet is the 5-20R. The plug would, of course be the 5-20P. This designates an outlet rated at 20 Amps and 125 Volts. An outlet that looks just like the above outlet is the 6-20R. This is the same 20 Amps but is rated at 250 Volts. Of course, there may be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the DC connector is often termed “Barrel” connectors. Such connectors are often designated by the size of the center pin in millimeters, e.g., 1.7 mm DC Power plug. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

A method for using a portable connector for power line networking in remote applications may be described below.

-   -   1. Couple a single AC connector, which includes at least a first         prong and a second prong, into a powerline enabled socket, which         includes at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle,         the first receptacle being coupled to the first prong and the         second receptacle being coupled to the second prong;     -   2. Transfer at least a plurality of AC signals and a plurality         of data signals from the single AC connector through at least a         first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector         (Optionally, the AC connector may be coupled directly to the         hardware module according to certain embodiments);     -   3. Transfer the plurality of AC signals and the plurality of         data signals to a hardware module coupled to the first pair of         wires;     -   4. Converting the plurality of AC signals into a DC signal;     -   5. Transfer the DC signal from the hardware module to a single         DC connector coupled to the hardware module;     -   6. Transfer a plurality of communication signals associated with         the plurality of data signals from the hardware module to a         single network connector coupled to the hardware module;     -   7. Coupling the single network connector and the single DC         connector to a remote application;     -   8. Use remote application coupled to the DC power signals and         network connection; and     -   9. Perform other steps, as desired.

As shown, the present invention provides an easy way of connecting a portable application into both DC and networking capabilities using the present connector device according to a specific embodiment. Depending upon the embodiment, certain steps may be combined. Other steps may be added or taken out of order, as well as other variations without departing from the scope of the claims herein. The method can be implemented using an apparatus such as the one noted above, but can also vary, depending upon the embodiment. A simplified diagram illustrating the method 500 above can be found in FIG. 5, which has been provided for easy referencing.

It is also understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A portable connector for power line networking, the portable connector being capable of being used for a remote application, the connector comprising: housing a single AC connector, the single AC connector including at least a first prong and a second prong, the single AC connector being adapted to transfer a plurality of AC signals from a power line network and a plurality of data signals from a power line network; at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector, the first pair of wires including a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong; a hardware module coupled to the first pair of wires, the hardware module and the first pair of wires being positioned within the housing the first pair of wires being adapted to transmit the plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and the plurality data signals from the AC connector, the hardware module comprising a powerline module and a switching power supply, the powerline module being coupled between the single AC connector and a single network connector, the powerline module being adapted to convert the plurality of data signals in an OFDM format to a plurality of signals in a second format, the switching power supply being adapted to convert the plurality of AC signals from the single AC connector into a direct current for use at a single DC connector; and a networking wire and a DC wire coupled respectively to the powerline module and the switching power supply in the hardware module, the network wire and the DC wire including a first portion bundled together to with a heat shrink tube and further extending out from the hardware module in a Y shaped configuration, the Y shape configuration includes the first portion of the bundled networking wire and the DC wire extending to a Y shaped harness, the Y shaped harness being coupled to a second portion of the network wire terminating at the single network connector and a second portion of the DC wire terminating at the single DC connector coupled to the hardware module, the single DC connector being capable of transmitting a DC power from the hardware module, and the single network connector being capable of transmitting the plurality of data signals from the hardware module.
 2. The portable connector of claim 1 wherein the portable connector is characterized by a total length of less than three feet from the single AC connector to either then single DC connector or the single network connector.
 3. The portable connector of claim 1 wherein the portable connector is adapted for a personal computer, a personal computing device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and a digital camera.
 4. The portable connector of claim 1 wherein the single network connector comprises a CAT 5 connector.
 5. The portable connector of claim 4 wherein the single DC connector comprises a DC connector for a portable computer device.
 6. The portable connector of claim 1 wherein the powerline module is coupled to a coupling transformer between the AC connector and the powerline module.
 7. The portable connector of claim 6 wherein the powerline module is coupled to an Ethernet interface between the single network connection and the powerline module.
 8. A portable connector for power line networking, the portable connector being capable of being used for a remote application, the portable connector comprising: housing a single AC connector, the single AC connector including at least a first prong and a second prong, the single AC connector being adapted to transfer a plurality of AC signals from a power network and a plurality of data signals from a power line network; at least a first pair of wires coupled to the single AC connector, the first pair of wires including a first wire coupled to the first prong and a second wire coupled to the second prong; a hardware module coupled to the first pair of wires, the first pair of wires being adapted to transmit the plurality of AC signals corresponding to AC power from the AC connector and the plurality data signals from the AC connector, the hardware module and the first pair of wires being positioned within the housing; a switching power supply provided in the hardware module, the switching power supply being coupled between the single AC connector and single DC connector, the switching power supply being adapted to convert AC signals from the single AC connector into direct current for use at the DC connector; a powerline module provided in the hardware module, the powerline module being coupled between the single AC connector and single network connection, the powerline module being adapted to convert the plurality of data signals in a OFDM format to a plurality of data signals in a second format for use at the single network connection the powerline module being positioned within the housing; a Y-cable coupled to the hardware module, the Y cable including: a single DC connector coupled to the hardware module, the DC connector being capable of transmitting DC power from the hardware module; a single network connector coupled to the hardware module, the single network connector being capable of transmitting the plurality of data signals from the AC connector a DC wire including a first DC portion and a second DC portion, the first DC portion being connected to the DC connector; and a network wire including a first network portion and a second network portion, the first network portion being connected to the network connector; a bundled portion including the second DC portion and the second network portion, the bundled portion extending from the hardware module; and further forming a y-shaped configuration characterized by branching into the first DC portion terminating at the DC connector and the first network portion terminating at the network connector.
 9. The portable connector of claim 8 wherein the single network connector comprises a CAT 5 connector.
 10. The portable connector of claim 8 wherein the single DC connector comprises a DC connector for a portable computer device.
 11. The portable connector of claim 8 wherein the powerline module is coupled to a coupling transformer between the AC connector and the powerline module.
 12. The portable connector of claim 8 wherein the powerline module is coupled to an Ethernet interface between the single network connection and the powerline module.
 13. The portable connector of claim 8 wherein the portable connector is characterized by a total length of less than three feet from the single AC connector to either then single DC connector or the single network connector. 